We get Coach Jen

I am so happy, we get Coach Jen again!

Level 4

Official level 4 schedules starts today! Thanks to Ashley for the new leo, for the new training season!

Refocus, Recharge and Remotivate

April 18, 2016 Coach Xiaoping called all four of us in for a meeting today. I was a bit nervous and uncertain as to why he wanted to talk with us. Since March of this year, when Shreddy didn't qualify for State completion, he has expressed his desire to quit gymnastics. I have shared Shreddy's doubts with both of his coaches. Basically Coach Xiaoping wanted Shreddy to recommit to this next year of gymnastics. If he can get all of his skills and bonuses for level 7, then he can proceed to compete at this level. If not, then Shreddy will need to repeat level 6. Because this is an Olympic year, the boys' routines will be different; regardless of the level. So even if he competes level 6 again, the routines will be new. Coach Xioaping shared how when Shreddy first went to the gym, 3 years ago, Coach Xiaoping was impressed that as a level 4 Shreddy could do a press handstand; he had potential and was strong! Shreddy felt like he was in trouble, so we all encouraged him that he did nothing wrong and that we are all on his team, with a different role to play; financier, driver, coach and cheerleader. Later we were talking and I told Shreddy that he needs to remember this day when his Coach cared enough about him to take the time to recharge him. Shreddy can go the distance, if he so desires. The future is in his hands, pointed toes, and flips. May God show His mighty power through our son.

Happy birthday

She is 8 today!

Suffering from the bars

Her KIP is creating new blisters.

Kip

She got her kip 3 times today on her last day of being 7!

Trying to get kip

She is working hard, doing privates and focusing on getting her kip!

Got her grips

Finally, she has real grips! Coach Xiaoping fitted her today.

First competition

My daughter begins her gymnastics competition season this morning.
I will be the proudest mama sitting in the arena today.

Central Conference Level 6 2016

Almost a week has passed, but I think we are still in shock and trying to process what happened or didn't happen on Saturday at Central Conference. First event was high bars; he loves high bars and usually scores high on this apparatus. He did well during warm up and seemed fine. However, he got up on the bar, started his routine and about 10 seconds into his routine, he fell. He got back up on the bar and started again....but fell again. He got back up,finished his routine, saluted the judge and sat down. I could see the disappointment in his eyes. He motioned for me to stop recording and communicated with me through his body language that he didn't want me recording anymore events. I respected his request and didn't film any of his other routines. He earned a 6.60 on high bar. Next up was rings. He started good but then found himself in a precarious position, sideways on his handstand press on the rings. I was really worried about how his was going to get out of that position. He was literally at a 2:00 position on a clock, with his legs and abdomen facing the two o'clock hand and his hands at a 6 o'clock position. Coach Matt must have told him something because he came back down and continued on with his routine. He scored an 8.40 on rings. I knew in my heart he couldn't qualify for state, but I still had hope that he might. After the fifth rotation, he was still in 5th position in his age category, then he took a precipitous fall to 28th. Only the top 16 would qualify for state! During awards, I could see everyone celebrating, but I stood off to the side. I couldn't even bring myself to walk near the area, so I stood by the head scoring table where I had been working. I could see my boss' wife and daughter sitting in the spectator area, so I walked over to them and said, "You don't need to stay for the awards." We chatted a few minutes, and I thanked them for attending the meet. I then walked them out and said good-bye. At any other meet in the season, he would have qualified. It was so disappointing. We were able to talk to Coach Xiaoping who encouraged Jedadiah to move on; it is only one meet. Jedadiah apologized to his coach for not doing well, and Xiaping told him to think about the future and not to dwell on this one meet. The night before the meet, Jedadiah asked me, "Mom, what if I don't qualify?" I encouraged him and said, "Of course, you will qualify. You are a great gymnast and you know what you are doing." I should have communicated with Coach Matt that Shreddy was nervous and feeling unconfident... but I didn't. I thought Shreddy was over his nerves by the morning, and everything was fine. My mistake. Each meet, as parents, we learn some lesson. Gymnastics is such a multi-dimensional sport. If affects the entire family, the gymnast, the coach, the team and the season. He season is done...no state competition and no regional competition. I realize that in the bigger spectrum of life, this is a very small, insignificant setback, but on this one Saturday in February, the events of this one day traumatized our entire family and our son's confidence in his gymnastics ability. God is teaching him a lesson, and I pray that Shreddy will learn it well.

Bridge class begins

She gets to add an extra class.

San Diego Classic

Level 3, second year.
She learned a valuable lesson of humility and perseverance. She was disappointed in her performance, but she handled the upset with grace and emotional fortitude.
I am proud of her for her strength of character.